ESG still a 'minefield' for wary advisers and wealth managers

However, popularity of sustainable funds remains

clock • 3 min read

Advisers and wealth managers remain extremely cautious about claims made by ESG funds for fear they will get caught up in greenwashing scandals, a survey has found.

The percentage of investment advisers who say they "completely trust" sustainability claims from funds has fallen from 1% to zero, according to the ESG Attitudes Tracker from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). On a scale of one to five, most respondents (51%) rated their level of trust as ‘three', indicating limited trust. Advisers told the researchers that recommending funds based on misleading claims puts their business at risk. One adviser said: "I am concerned about [greenwashing] because to recommend something on the basis that it meets my client's desires for investm...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Green

Is ESG investment a cooling market? The EU and US approach explained

Is ESG investment a cooling market? The EU and US approach explained

Is ESG in search of a new identity?

Vernon Dennis
clock 24 October 2025 • 4 min read
'Actually, ESG's not dead': Why green investment pessimism is shortsighted

'Actually, ESG's not dead': Why green investment pessimism is shortsighted

'Backlash against disingenuous targets and greenwashing'

Jonathan Simpson
clock 20 October 2025 • 7 min read
In search of a new identity: Is ESG investment a cooling market?

In search of a new identity: Is ESG investment a cooling market?

First of a two part series looking at ESG investing in 2025

Vernon Dennis
clock 16 October 2025 • 4 min read